Meet maryjo, the Rising Pop Star Behind Her Newest Single ‘Nothing to Lose’

this light-hearted but insightful session, PopFiltr gets to know maryjo better through 20 quick-fire questions. From her unexpected inspirations to her most memorable performance, maryjo gives us a candid glimpse into her world. Let’s dive in!

1. Do you have any 'drunk tattoo's?
maryjo: Yes! Well, actually no. I was sober, but the tattoo says “drunk again.”

2. What has been your most unexpected source of inspiration for a song?
maryjo: Probably being inspired by Noah Kahan’s production, which is crazy because it’s not my type of production at all.

3. If you could perform at any venue or festival in the world, where would it be and why?
maryjo: Probably Madison Square Garden. It’s iconic! That’s how you know you’ve made it.

4. What was your last Google search?
maryjo: Oh, how to say something in Hebrew. I don’t speak Hebrew, but I think it was “What are you doing later?” My friends speak it, and I wanted to impress them. It worked, but then they responded, and I had no idea what they said!

5. Is there a book, show, or movie that changed your life?
maryjo: Yeah, Elvis. The Austin Butler movie where he plays Elvis. Butler really dives into his characters and becomes someone else. It made me think about how I could do the same in music—explore a deeper part of my artistry. Plus, I learned more about Elvis, which was cool.

6. Pick one: “Love Fools” or “Drunk Tattoo”?
maryjo: “Drunk Tattoo.”
PopFiltr: “Drunk Tattoo” or “Carpet”?
maryjo: “Drunk Tattoo.”
PopFiltr: “Drunk Tattoo” or “Cleveland”?
maryjo: “Cleveland.”
PopFiltr: “Cleveland” or “Should It Be Us”?
maryjo: “Cleveland.”
PopFiltr: “Cleveland” or “Nothing to Lose”?
maryjo: “Nothing to Lose.”

7. What inspired the lyrics in “Cleveland,” especially the line: “Who am I? Who am I supposed to be when I've got everybody's eyes on me?”
maryjo: Sometimes I worry people think it’s an ego thing, like, “Oh, everyone’s watching me,” but it’s not that. It’s more about feeling pressure when everyone around you is looking for you to make a decision. When I had to move from Cleveland to LA, everyone was so supportive, but I felt this huge internal pressure. It wasn’t coming from them, it was me putting it on myself. I wasn’t ready for such a big change, but now I love California. At the time, though, it felt overwhelming.

8. What does your perfect day look like?
maryjo: I usually wake up, go for a walk, then head to the beach. That’s literally it! I love sitting at the beach, writing there, and then coming home with my dog.

9. What’s your dog’s name?
maryjo: Bo.

10. What’s one thing you never leave home without?
maryjo: My phone.

11. Your favorite social media challenge?
maryjo: I don’t really know! Maybe those TikTok filter questions where it tells you your red flags. That’s fun.

12. Are there any fashion trends you think should die for good?
maryjo: High socks and sandals. But honestly, that’s more of a personality thing. Stripes, though—I’m not a fan.

13. If you had to describe yourself as a landscape, what would it be?
maryjo: A beach with some hills and mountains.
PopFiltr: Sounds like California?
maryjo: Yeah! Also, my family lives in Brazil, and they have a beach with hills there, so that’s my favorite place to be.

14. What single or album do you currently have on repeat?
maryjo: Chappell Roan and Zach Bryan—which is funny because I don’t really listen to country.

15. If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?
maryjo: Elvis Presley.

16. What’s your current cellphone background?
maryjo: My dog!

17. What was your first job ever?
maryjo: Babysitting.

18. What’s your favorite place to write music?
maryjo: By my piano.

19. What’s been the most memorable performance of your career so far?
maryjo: Boston, when I opened for Knox. It just clicked, and I knew how I wanted to perform for the rest of the tour after that. The people were amazing. I love Boston now—they’re just awesome.

20. What’s a piece of advice that’s stuck with you throughout your career?
maryjo: Be patient.

We have a closing tradition here at PopFiltr, where our current guest leaves a question for the next guest without knowing who it’s for. The question that was left for you is: ‍If you weren’t a musician or artist, what career path would you choose and why?

maryjo: I’d be an interior designer. I love decorating!

PopFiltr: And what would you like to ask our next guest?‍

maryjo: How do you know your job is right for you?

PopFiltr: Any final words?

‍maryjo: Thank you for your support! This has been so much fun, and I’m glad I get to do this.

If you haven’t yet checked out our full interview with maryjo, where she dives deeper into her creative process, heartbreak, and newfound confidence in Nothing to Lose, make sure to read it here.

e are thrilled to have the incredibly talented Lauren Presley join us today at PopFiltr! Lauren is a rising pop artist hailing from Redwater, Texas, now making waves in the Nashville music scene. With her powerful vocals and authentic, straightforward approach to music, Lauren has quickly garnered attention and a loyal fan base. Inspired by artists like Tate McRae, Halsey, Fletcher, and Nessa Barrett, Lauren's music is a captivating blend of alt-pop and dark pop, deeply rooted in her personal life experiences.

Lauren's debut single "A Little Longer" was a significant milestone, amassing over 1 million streams on Spotify and 5.6 million views on YouTube. Her subsequent releases, such as "White Noise" and "Tiptoe," highlight her ability to blend catchy melodies with clever and touching lyrics, solidifying her place in pop.

Join us as we dive deeper into Lauren Presley's journey, discussing the challenges of being a female artist in a male-dominated industry, her resilience in the face of rejection, and the inspiration behind her powerful new single, "Americas Sweethearts."

Lauren, thank you for joining us today.

‍Thank you so much for having me.

Let's start by getting to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your journey into music and how you got started?

Yeah, I have kind of just always wanted to be an artist. I started singing when I was probably 5 years old. When I turned 12, I recorded some cover songs at a studio in Texas, where I grew up, and uploaded them on YouTube. One of them just kind of blew up. I think it's got like 5 million views now or something crazy on YouTube. Then, "Chasing Nashville" reached out to me, and I ended up getting cast in it. It was a reality TV show about a couple of girls trying to make it in the music industry. We filmed a lot in Nashville, so my mom quit her job, and we left Texas to film and just never went back. We settled here, and I started trying to get into writing music. I took a couple of years off because I was so young and in school, but I really started getting into it seriously when I was about 17 or 18. I also used to do country music when I was in Texas, and then around 17, I switched to pop. I've been doing pop ever since. The last couple of years have been a journey, focusing on honing my craft and getting better at writing and singing, and just leveling up in all areas to make this my career.

What a journey. What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far?

I think the biggest challenge would be honestly just hearing "no" a lot. Pretty much all artists probably experience this, but being an artist means you hear "no" a lot from several different types of people. That can be hard to brush off and just keep going when it's something you hear so much. It's about learning to push that aside, know who you are, know your talent, and what you're doing, and just try to push past it.

You recently shared with your audience your experience of being rejected by a label. Oftentimes, we only see picture-perfect accounts on social media, and it was very brave of you to share the full story, including discouraging news. What was your driver to share not just the high highs?

Yeah, it's definitely a scary thing to put yourself out there, not in a negative light, but in a light where you got rejected. It's super vulnerable and scary. I'll be honest, I was kind of iffy about posting that. But I just feel like vulnerability is one of our main strengths as human beings, especially as artists. I wanted to be honest with my fans and people who follow me about the real things I go through in my life. I have a lot of songs that are more upbeat and fun, but that's not my life all the time. There are a lot of things that go on behind closed doors that are hard and just suck. I wanted to be honest and upfront about that. I feel like there's too much of this false picture online of what our lives look like. That can be dangerous because it might make other people feel like they're not doing enough or not doing well enough in their lives because they think mine is completely perfect, which is not the case. So, I wanted to be clear and vulnerable about it.

Thank you so much for being so honest and sharing this part of your journey as well. What drives you to keep creating music, even after hearing "no"?

Music is really my outlet. It's the only thing where I can truly let my emotions flow out of me. When I'm in the studio writing music, it's often about past experiences or things I'm currently going through. There's no better way for me to express myself. That's what keeps me going despite all the hard things and all the "no's." I love it, and all I can do is continue to do it and hope that other people love it too. If they don't, that's out of my control. I'm just going to keep doing it for me.

So now let's talk about "America Sweetheart." What was the inspiration behind your single?

Well, I watched the Barbie movie, and it didn't open my eyes to everything, but as a woman, I've experienced things that felt sexist. Watching that movie made me think about it more and put it at the forefront of my mind. We went into a session a couple of weeks after that, and I had all these ideas from my life experiences and the movie that I wanted to build on and see if we could make it into a song. I thought it would be a really cool concept. So, I came up with "Americas Sweetheart." The chorus is almost like a checklist of how to be America's sweetheart, which is pretty cool. I really like the way it turned out.

I was a little hesitant to release the song because it's a bit controversial. I didn't want to make some people mad, but I also think it's a message that needs to be heard. So, I'm excited to get it out there.

Some of the lines that caught my attention: "Can’t be right but do no wrong / Stand up straight but not too tall / Can’t be too pretty, can’t be too smart / Gotta dream big but don’t go too far." What was going through your mind when writing them?

Yeah, we were trying to think of double standards between men and women. Obviously, we came up with several. It feels like you have to be pretty to meet society's standards but not too pretty, or you could be intimidating or distracting. Be brave and strong but not too strong, or you might come off as masculine, which isn't what some men want either. Sometimes, it just feels like as a woman, you can't win.

And, "At the kitchen sink / Watered down dreams in the dishes"—that just cut through my heart. How does it feel to be a female artist in the music industry? And what do you think should change to create a more supportive environment?

I think we need to encourage more female producers, writers, and artists because it is mostly a male-dominated industry. I've been in sessions before with only men, and it's not a very comfortable place to be, especially when you hear men talking about women in a derogatory way. Being the only girl in the room, it's uncomfortable and borderline scary. If we could bring more women together in the music industry, working with more women, that would create a more comfortable and supportive place.

Couldn't agree more. Before we wrap up, we have a tradition here at Popfiltr, where our current guest asks a question for the next artist without knowing who they are leaving a question for. What would you like to ask our next guest?

It might be cool to ask them what keeps them going to be an artist because I know it's hard. So, like what keeps them going?

Fantastic! Thanks so much for joining us today, Lauren. It’s been a pleasure talking with you. Any final words for your fans?

Thank you for all the love and support! I hope you enjoy "Americas Sweethearts" as much as I enjoyed creating it. "Americas Sweethearts" is out July 12th on all streaming platforms.

It’s been wonderful chatting with you. Thanks for joining us, and make sure to catch our next interview where we’ll be asking your question to our next special guest!

*This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

ARBZ are in for a treat this Christmas! Not only did Nicki reveal her interview with Funny Marco earlier today, but the highly anticipated interview between Nicki Minaj and media personality Joe Budden is now available on YouTube.

The interview was originally released on December 22 on Joe Budden's members-only Patreon, and the announcement of it set the Internet on fire. The conversation delved into the process of 'Pink Friday 2'. Nicki talked about the significance of "Are You Gone Already" and the events of the night that took her father away. Nicki then expressed her admiration for Biggie and Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, revealing that many of the melodies from their groundbreaking track "Notorious Thugs" were carried beyond her rendition in "Barbie Dangerous" and throughout the entire album: 'I knew that everybody, no matter what age, was going to have an emotional connection to that second song. Because it feels timeless.'

Of course, the conversation would not be complete if Joe and Nicki did not touch on the current state of rap. "The rap scene is now at 40%," she said. She also expressed her frustration with the lack of "Gatekeepers," claiming the rap scene is watered down because new players don't take it seriously. Though she admitted she likes some new rappers.

Nicki Minaj and Joe Budden, Watch Full Interview Free:

‍

ince the release of "Pink Friday 2" on December 8, Nicki Minaj has been a constant presence in the media. Her promotional journey for the album has been diverse and engaging. She's made appearances ranging from a stream with Kai Cenat, where she mentioned Travis Scott, to a memorable freestyle battle on Stephen Colbert's show. Her talk with Joe Budden was especially heartfelt, as she opened up about her father's passing and how it affected her album, and also talked about what she plans to do in the future.

Yet, her latest interaction with Funny Marco... let's just say it's 'odd'. Minaj announced this interview on Twitter, intriguingly describing Marco as a "very strange & odd man." The interview, titled "Open Thoughts with Nicki Minaj," lives up to its name with its unique and candid style. Released just a few hours ago, it has quickly become a topic of conversation among fans. They are actively sharing and discussing its most amusing parts, with gifs and screenshots spreading rapidly across social media.

The interview's impact is evident in its numbers; it garnered 400,000 views and over 3,300 comments within just five hours of its release. This response highlights the strong interest in Minaj's insights and her dynamic with the unconventional Funny Marco.

Nicki Minaj on 'Open Thoughts' with Funny Marco, Full Episode:

ate McRae delighted her fans with unexpected live renditions of 'Exes' and 'Greedy' during her appearance on the Today Show. Before her performance, she engaged in a revealing conversation with hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb about the creative journey behind her sophomore album, “Think Later”.

The hosts began by highlighting Tate's impressive achievements, noting her nearly a billion views on her videos and her top 40 hit. They remarked on her performances at high-profile events like the Billboard Music Awards and Saturday Night Live, emphasizing her status as a pop sensation.

Responding to this, McRae shared, "Yeah, I was a competitive dancer my whole life, so the music kind of started when I was around 16 years old, and I'm 20 now, so it's been a journey."

The conversation shifted to her recognition in Vogue magazine, with the hosts mentioning a headline that proclaimed her as taking over the world. Tate expressed her feelings about this acknowledgment, saying, "Yeah, I mean obviously, it's such an honor. I think even just seeing my name in Vogue was just like a dream come true. The last like two months have just been many moments of dream come true, so it's very cool."

Discussing her sophomore album, the hosts pointed out the challenges and successes associated with such a venture. Tate elaborated on her creative process, stating, "Lots of hours in the studio, lots of mood boarding and planning, and figuring out what I wanted to say next... lots of writing and figuring out my feelings."

Following the interview, Tate McRae performed ‘Exes’ from her album live on the Today Show, followed by another captivating performance of 'Greedy'. These performances not only highlighted her vocal talent but also her ability to connect with the audience through her music. Both can be viewed below.

It should also be noted that later the same day, Tate McRae delivered a live performance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'. Read more about it here.

Tate McRae Performs 'Exes' Live at The Today Show:

Tate McRae Performs 'Greedy' Live at The Today Show:

a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, published on December 13, 20-year-old music sensation Olivia Rodrigo discussed her changing feelings towards some tracks from her 2021 debut album, "SOUR." As she prepares for her 2024 Guts Tour, Rodrigo revealed a diminished affection for a few songs on the album. She stated, “Some of them I don’t really love so much anymore. I don’t want to [name them]. People get so sad because it’ll be their favorite song. But I just feel like I’ve grown out of some of them.”

Despite her evolving tastes, "SOUR" continues to resonate with millions worldwide. The album remains on the Billboard 200, ranking at No. 49 more than two years after its release, and has spent 133 weeks on the chart. It also produced two No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including "Drivers License," which remains a personal favorite for Rodrigo. She recalls the emotional connection she and her fans shared over the song, reflecting their experiences of heartbreak.

Olivia Rodrigo also responded to Billie Eilish's revelation that her song "Goldwing" was partly inspired by Rodrigo's rapid rise to fame. In her interview with the L.A. Times, Eilish expressed protectiveness and concern for Rodrigo, who was younger and emerging in the industry. To which, Rodrigo expressed heartfelt appreciation, saying, "I thought it was so sweet. Billie is such a kind, wonderful girl, and I feel very lucky that it's not about competition - that we're just looking out for each other. I love that song." This response highlights the supportive and non-competitive nature of their relationship and Rodrigo's admiration for "Goldwing."

As Rodrigo prepares for her 'GUTS' Tour, she is introspectively examining her identity as an artist. She acknowledges her preferences and limitations, stating, “[It] is really making me examine my identity as an artist, because I love going to a show that’s big and awesome, but I’m also not the type of girl who’s gonna break into a dance routine. That’s not me. So I’ve got to figure out a way to make it my own. I need to work on my death-metal scream too.” This candid admission reflects her commitment to authenticity and delivering an engaging performance experience for her audience.

On the topic of not disclosing the inspirations behind her songs, Rodrigo remarked, “I just think it’s not classy to come out and say it’s about this person. I also think that would set a weird precedent where I’d have to clear the air with every song I write.” This statement underscores her professionalism and respect for privacy in her songwriting process and we love her for that.

a recent episode of "The Kelly Clarkson Show," aired on December 12, Grammy-winning artist Olivia Rodrigo graced the stage, bringing with her a blend of candid conversation, personal insights, and a profound connection with her fans. The episode, marked by its warmth and authenticity, offered a deeper look into Rodrigo's artistic journey and the impact of her music. The show opened to an enthusiastic audience, setting the tone for a lively and engaging episode.

Clarkson and Rodrigo exchanged pleasantries and congratulations on their respective Grammy nominations. Rodrigo, reflecting on her nomination for Best Rock Song for "Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl," expressed, "It's so nice to be included in such a wonderful group of people."

Their conversation took a whimsical turn as they discussed the personalization of their in-ear monitors. Rodrigo revealed her choice of Edward Cullen's image, humorously noting, "That's my baby... He is my guiding light on tour," a choice she made for her 'SOUR' Tour. Olivia also shared that currently she has a photo of Kim Cattrall on her in-ear monitors: "It's Samantha from 'Sex in the City'. She's my favorite, drinking a little martini, and I thought it was great."

The discussion naturally flowed to Rodrigo's album "GUTS." When asked about the title, Rodrigo explained, "It means bravery. Spilling your guts means like telling everyone your dirty little secrets, which I feel like is just what I do in my song." This insight offered a glimpse into Rodrigo's songwriting philosophy, where vulnerability and honesty play central roles. "And I like a four-letter word, you know," she added, "Gotta love a four-letter word every now and then." This reference to four-letter words, she noted, includes her debut album 'SOUR' and others that occasionally appear in her lyrics.

Exploring specific lyrics from her songs, Rodrigo shared the origins of "Lacy," a track that evolved from a poem she wrote for a class at USC. Discussing the lyric, "I despise my rotten mind and how much it worships you," Rodrigo acknowledged its emotional depth, saying, "It's very emo of me writing that." Olivia also explained the meaning behind the lyrics "I am light as a feather. I'm as stiff as a board. I pay attention to things that most people ignore." She said her mom used to tell her about the game, often played at sleepovers. "I was always fascinated by it... it seems impossible. I need some physicist to explain it to me," she mused, followed by, "So I thought it was an interesting way to describe the impossible standards that are set for us as women."

A highlight of the show was the segment featuring fans who shared their "gutsy" stories, inspired by Rodrigo's music. One fan, Makayla Lee, spoke about her journey to independence despite her disability, drawing parallels with Rodrigo's song "Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl." Rodrigo's response to these stories was heartfelt, as she expressed, "I feel empowered listening to your story. I think that is so incredible, and I admire you so much for that."

Watch the full segment below.

Olivia Rodrigo, the Grammy-nominated actress and singer known for her viral singles 'Drivers License' and 'Good 4 U,' recently sat down with Jimmy Fallon. In this engaging interview, she shared updates about her life since her musical debut on the show earlier this year. The singer discussed success of her album 'Guts,' Fakegram, upcoming world tour, and reminisced about childhood memories.

Olivia Rodrigo in Singing Whisper challenge with Jimmy Fallon:

Stay tuned for more details.

December 6, Kenya Grace, the dynamic UK artist behind the viral sensation “Strangers,” joined Brooke Reese for an exclusive interview as part of the Apple Music: Emerging Artists series. Held at Apple Soho in New York, this event offered fans a unique opportunity to connect with Kenya, whose blend of dance-pop has captivated audiences worldwide. Known for her innovative approach to music and storytelling, Kenya's session with Brooke Reese provided insightful glimpses into her artistic process and future aspirations.

If you missed it, fear not, we've got the highlights for you.

Brooke: So glad that you wanted to do this. Your name has been everywhere, your song has been everywhere. I think it’ll be fun to start our conversation with the song “Strangers”. When you made it, did it feel special? Was there something about it? Because people just gravitated towards it immediately.

Kenya: Honestly, no. I did not think that. I wrote it super casually and didn't think anything of it when I posted it, but I am very happy that people connected with it so much. It’s crazy.

Brooke: Your style is unique, and you live in that dance-pop world. What is your process creatively when writing music?

Kenya: When I write, I always start with making the beat. I usually start with chords or something that inspires me in that realm, then I probably do drums, and lastly would be the vocals: start with the melody and then lyrics. It always is the hardest part for me. When writing the lyrics, I always want to tell a story, so I spend the longest on that.

Brooke: I love that for you, the beat and melody guide you, and it's the storytelling where you take your time.

Kenya: It always takes so long to write the whole story.

Brooke: I’m always intrigued talking to artists who have had huge moments on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, building a community with your fans and just collectively watching things grow so much this last year. What is that like? The numbers are one thing, but knowing that there are actual people behind them, becoming a fan of Kenya Grace. Could you explain a little bit?

Kenya: It’s definitely mental. I didn’t expect any of this to happen at all, and it is so crazy, but it's so nice to actually meet people in real life. Sometimes on social media, you read DMs and don’t realize there’s actually a cool person behind them, so it's cool.

Brooke: I don’t know if that’s too TMI, but what does your TikTok look like? You are in my TikTok feed a lot as far as FYP and the algorithm, but what do you go on there for? I feel like there are so many different communities, which is why people gravitate towards it, to find new music, to find new artists.

Kenya: I’m really into music. I like so many DJs, producers. I think that's mainly what I get, and just like random shows, with 20 parts, so funny.

Brooke: This is so embarrassing, but I saw one of those on social media, and it was “say yes to a dress” show. Have you ever heard of that?

Kenya: Yes.

Brooke: There were five parts, and then I went and watched it all because I needed to know what was on there. Have you ever done something like that, where it takes you to a show, and you go, “well, now I have to watch it”?

Kenya: Yeah, literally so many. I saw so many good films on TikTok. It's pretty good.

Brooke: I love that so much. I was reading how you were born in South Africa but grew up in the UK. I would love to know if any of that has influenced your music and also growing up, the music you listened to.

Kenya: I think I’ve been influenced the most by the UK scene. I lived in South Africa for 8 months. I was a tiny baby, so I don’t really have too much inspiration from there, but I’m very into the UK music scene. There are so many different artists, especially in dance... so many different mini sub-genres. It's very cool.

Brooke: So growing up, whom were you listening to? Whom were you inspired by? What was playing through the speakers in your home when you were younger?

Kenya: When I was really young, my mom always used to play Neo Soul, and I really liked Neo Soul in general. It was amazing. I just loved the chord progressions, and the melodies are stunning. And then when I went to college, I got really into dance music.

Brooke: What is it specifically about dance that just draws you in that way? It seems like you have a very beautiful relationship with how you feel about the genre in general.

Kenya: I've loved it since forever, to be fair. I think it's the drums that I love so much, that makes me feel... I remember when I was really young, maybe 7, I was on YouTube and I found dubstep, and I would just sit there in my room with headphones listening to dubstep, not dancing or anything. But I just loved it. It's really cool to go from very soft to like really [big]...

Brooke: And also being on your music journey and releasing songs this year, everything grows so quickly with you, by the way. How do you decide what you want to release for the next song as you are trying to build your journey as an artist?

Kenya: Honestly, I just play it by ear. I write a lot of songs all the time. And I love posting them, and then I’ll just make a little beat video, and I randomly decide. There is no plan at all.

Brooke: So it’s not calculated? Some people are down to the T, and I kind of like that you just go with how you feel. Do you ever find yourself where you tease a song on social media and people get so intense and so invested when they’ll be like “drop the song! Where is the rest of it?”

Kenya: [laughing]

Brooke: What do you think is one of the songs where you teased and people were like “we need the full version now”?

Kenya: “Strangers” 100%. And then “Out of My Mind”, I teased a part and then released “Strangers” and I think some people were upset that I didn’t release that one. But they both are out now.

Brooke: Are you currently working on a project? How do you see yourself as an artist going forward because we are at the end of 2023, which is so wild to even say, and you’ve already grown and done so much. Where do you see yourself moving forward with your music?

Kenya: I’ve been working on a project, which I’ll drop next year, which is exciting! I’m so excited to release the project instead of just singles. It's gonna be really cool.

Brooke: When you are doing something like that, how do you know you are building a project? Do you go in being like, ok, I’m going to make an LP or an album, or do you start writing songs and then collectively feel like thematically and sonically they work?

Kenya: I feel like I've been accidentally, subconsciously doing that for the whole year, and I've got so many things that I've posted but haven’t released, which I think actually work very well together, so I’m going to make something big next year.

Brooke: That's so exciting! I would like to talk about this, because I was doing my research, as one does for a job, and I would love to know what it's like making history as the only female artist besides Kate Bush to hit No.1 as a sole writer, producer, and performer on the UK pop charts?

Kenya: It's crazy. Kate Bush is so sick. She is such an inspiration, she is amazing. I just think there should be more people to have done that.

Brooke: But maybe you are holding a door for other women to do that, and you don’t even know yet.

Kenya: I hope so. I feel like it's our moment now. It's coming.

Brooke: It is our moment.

Kenya: There are so many sick girls and women that are smashing it in writing and production. It's the moment.

Brooke: I feel like also in the dance genre, not only as performers but as DJs, women have also grown exponentially, which is very exciting.

Kenya: 100%.

Brooke: You did decide to release the sad acoustic version of “Strangers”. We love an emo moment. How did you decide that you wanted to come up with the acoustic version of it, and where do you begin, or did it start that way?

Kenya: I thought it would sound good, honestly. I tried adding strings and then worked on adding cute harmonies. I don’t really release stuff like that, straight up and chill, so I wanted to give it a go, I guess.

Brooke: I think it would be interesting to talk more about the dance world where you live so much. You’ve been talking so much about being in the UK and the dance scene being so huge, but have other areas of dance influenced you as well? As far as other places, other countries.

Kenya: I feel like my main biggest influence at the time was Flume from Australia. He is a huge influence of mine. And everyone else is probably UK and house vibes.

Brooke: I love dance music, and I feel like I didn’t know enough until this year, really diving in. But it's amazing. I feel like it's growing a lot as a genre, and you as an artist have also done that, where you are helping dance to break through globally. When you hear things like that and people start to dive into the genre because of you, what does that feel like?

Kenya: Crazy. I'm happy that people hear drum and bass, to be fair. I didn’t expect you guys to like that.

Brooke: Oh, that's right, it's your first time visiting us in The States. You just had your first show in New York. What was it like? The energy? The vibes?

Kenya: The vibes are amazing! I did one last night, and one the night before at “Elsewhere” in Brooklyn. It was so cool, everyone is so nice and such good vibes.

Brooke: How do you begin to prepare for your show? It's one thing to be an artist and make music in a studio or in your safe space, but it's another to take that music and go and perform in front of people. How do you get from A to B?

Kenya: I’ve struggled, actually, over the past couple of months getting over stage fright, honestly. Because it's scary going from being in your room and posting online, where you kind of remove yourself from being in front of everyone, but it's so fun. It's a completely different process from writing. But I still do a lot of writing. When I make my set, I love adding transitions between songs. I love doing that.

Brooke: There is still so much for you to accomplish. This year it's just the surface level of what we’ve seen so far from Kenya Grace. I feel like 2024 is going to skyrocket and take off. There is a song that you put up, “Paris”, which just came out not so long ago. I would like to talk a little bit about it, the lyrics, and how you decided to release this one.

Kenya: I wrote it ages ago, and I really love the concept of it. It's basically about how social media is fake and, more specifically, something I’ve noticed about relationships on social media. They can look really good but actually are fake, and that goes for relationships as in couples and friendships as well, I think. I've seen that. I’m happy it's out. I think it's a little something before the big thing next year.

Brooke: So it's coming soon?

Kenya: Soon-ish.

Brooke: I’m always so intrigued with somebody who is a newer artist and emerging, having so much success so quickly. It's just fun to know where your head is with all of this, and where you want to go. You are building out your brand and your artistry as Kenya Grace, and it's always fun to see where you want to take things because you can go anywhere with your projects.

Kenya: I’m trying to take it day by day. I'm trying not to think about the big picture too much because it's stressing me out. You can just overthink it.

Brooke: I know that we are entering towards the Holiday time and hopefully, you’ll get some time off. What do you usually do for the Holidays?

Kenya: Just chill with my family, to be fair. We don’t have a massive Christmas. It's just me and my brother, and my mom and dad. It's quite wholesome and chill.

Brooke: It's nice to go back and just be with your family, just do you and be you.

Kenya: I think that's the thing I like about Christmas because it's the time with your family.

Brooke: There is still so much to do, so much to accomplish for you as an artist. What are your goals for 2024? Obviously, we talked about the upcoming project, but I would like to know what else, and that could be anything.

Kenya: I’m really excited to play at festivals, different shows, releasing new music, and maybe a collab.

Brooke: Who is a dream collaborator for you, if you could work with anybody?

Kenya: I have so many. Should I list them all? Definitely Flume, that would be my dream. I love him so much. Maybe Chase & Status, but my ultimate dream collab would be Lana Del Rey, but it’s so far away…

Brooke: I love Lana.

Kenya: She is so amazing.

Brooke: Is there any artist, music you know through and through so well, where like, “I’m having a moment. I’m gonna put on music that makes me feel better”?

Kenya: Probably her [Lana Del Rey]. I love her. She is so soothing, her voice... everything. I love it.

Brooke: What do you want the world to know about who you are?

Kenya: It's so hard. I don’t know if people can tell, but I’m quite an introverted person. But maybe it's pretty obvious [laughing], but I’m quiet and reserved, and I love music, and I feel like I’m an emo at heart. Basically, music is my only hobby, apart from it, I love tattoos and all alternative things.

Brooke: What advice would you give your younger self and anybody who starts to make music?

Kenya: I always say, try to teach yourself how to produce. I think it's a very empowering thing to do. It’s so good to be able to do it whenever you want, without putting time in a studio with somebody else. I would say that's my main advice, and post those online, even though it's scary.

Brooke: What virtually inspires you?

Kenya: I love watching TV shows. I think it's so artsy, and people sometimes look down on watching TV, but there are things that are really cool, like “American Horror Story”. Things like that are so inspiring. It's so cool.

Brooke: What was your favorite song to record?

Kenya: It's so hard to pick. One of my favorite songs to perform is “Meteor”. I just love singing it, and I think “Strangers” was pretty fun to record.

Brooke: And it must be special in a way, to know now how many people connect to it on a deep level. What is your favorite part of the writing/creating process?

Kenya: I love all of it, to be honest. I love making the beat first, and then you feel the vibe of it, and then you get this moment where you like, “oh, I really like that”, where you know that’s working. That is my favorite.

Brooke: What inspires you, and whom do you look up to?

Kenya: So many people. Chase & Status, and so many singers. When I was younger, Adele - amazing songwriting, and Fred Again, I saw him recently, the energy at his concerts is insane.

Brooke: How are you managing to advocate for yourself with management and label as your success grows?

Kenya: I really love my team. They really get the whole thing, and they are very supportive, and I feel like they back my ideas 100%.

Brooke: Congratulations on everything. Thank you so much for taking the time to sit here with us today and getting to know you better.

the heart of London, a conversation unfolded that was as unexpected as it was enlightening. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, known more for his leadership in the boardroom than for casual house visits, stepped into the personal world of pop sensation Dua Lipa. Their meeting, set in the cozy confines of Lipa's living room, was a blend of warmth, candidness, and profound insights, captured in an episode of "Dua Lipa: At Your Service."

As they settled onto the soft cushions of Lipa's couch, the atmosphere was more akin to old friends catching up than a formal interview. Cook, with his calm demeanor, opened up about the burgeoning world of artificial intelligence. He spoke with a mix of optimism and responsibility, highlighting AI's potential to revolutionize our lives while stressing the importance of ethical guidelines to steer this powerful technology.

The conversation naturally veered towards a topic that resonates globally – climate change. Here, Cook shared Apple's vision and actions towards sustainability, painting a picture of a future where technology and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. It was a moment that showcased Apple's commitment to being more than just a tech company, but a responsible global citizen.

But this wasn't just a discussion about technology and corporate responsibility. Cook offered a rare glimpse into his personal life, sharing anecdotes and experiences that shaped him. He talked about his philanthropic endeavors, revealing a side of him that often remains overshadowed by his corporate identity. It was a reminder that behind the CEO title lies a person driven by a desire to make a positive impact in the world.

One of the most intriguing moments came when Cook discussed the future of Apple, particularly the topic of succession. In a company that's a byword for innovation, the question of who leads next is not just a corporate decision but a matter of global interest. Cook's insights into this process provided a rare window into the strategic thinking at the heart of Apple.

What made this interview truly special was the intersection of two very different worlds. On one side was Cook, a figure who has shaped the way we interact with technology, and on the other was Lipa, a voice that resonates with millions in the realm of music and culture. Their exchange was a vivid illustration of how technology and pop culture are increasingly interlinked, each influencing the other.

As the interview drew to a close, it left listeners with a sense of having witnessed something unique. The topics ranged from the technical to the personal, from corporate strategies to ethical dilemmas. This wasn't just a conversation; it was a narrative about where we are today and where we might be heading. Tim Cook's visit to Dua Lipa's home transcended the usual boundaries of a CEO interview, offering a glimpse into a future shaped by technology, humanity, and the endless possibilities when these worlds converge.

Interview:

Dua: Most experts can agree that AI is something that’s going to completely change our world. You’re in a better position than most to speculate – what is that going to look like?

Tim: AI is in all of the products we produce in a very significant way. We don’t label it as such, but if you take the [Apple] watch as an example: if you fall, the watch will detect your fall and send a notification to your emergency contacts and emergency services. It will also detect a [car] crash. It will detect an irregular heartbeat. It will allow you to perform an ECG. If you’re composing a message, predictive typing tries to predict your next word… AI is everywhere today.  

What has gathered people’s imagination more recently is ‘generative AI’ and large language models [for example, ChatGPT]. I think this is an area that can be life-changing, in a good way, because it can do things like help diagnose a problem that you’re having from a health point of view. There’s a limitless number of things that AI can do. Unfortunately, it can also do not good things.

Dua: Those are the things that I am more worried about. It seems like there’s so many great things AI can do, but then I think it also poses profound risks and a threat to humanity. Tell me AI isn’t going to destroy the world!

Tim: What is needed with AI is some rules of the road, some regulation. Many governments around the world are now focused on this and how to do it. [Apple is] trying to help with that. We’re one of the first ones that say this is needed. We’re very thoughtful and deliberate about how we approach these things. We think deeply about how people will use our products, and if they can be used for nefarious reasons, we don’t go down those paths.

Dua: Are governments actually able to regulate AI, or have we gone past that point?

Tim: I think most governments are a little behind the curve today; I think that’s a fair assessment. But they’re quickly catching up. The US, the UK, the EU and several countries in Asia are quickly coming up to speed. I do think there will be some AI regulation in the next 12 to 18 months. I’m confident that will happen.

In this special episode of Dua Lipa: At Your Service, Dua and Tim also discuss the future of wearable tech, shattering the glass ceiling for LGBTQIA+ leaders, his succession plans for Apple and much more. Listen on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get your podcasts, to listen to the episode when it drops on Friday 17 November  

Tim Cook: The Books That Inspire Me

1. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee – [I read it] as a student. It’s not just for young students, but for all of us.  

2. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight – It’s meant to be a business book, but it’s a book on life. And I really like that, it’s great.  

3. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi – It is phenomenal.  

4. I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai – I love Malala’s story and her passion around young girls’ education. The work she does is incredible.  

5. I love reading biographies of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy and some of the great people that were pushing forward on civil rights.